Trustico? Global Internet Security: Social Engineering Attacks ...

Internet security is a hot topic, and will remain so indefinitely, with new attacks and leaks daily it is imperative that users use the best security practices at all times.? However, the threat does not always come from online; there is a continuing stream of social engineering attacks on computer users worldwide.? ?

Social Engineering Attacks

A social engineering attack is one in which the intended victim is somehow tricked into doing the attackers bidding.? We saw this with the WHMCS hack, where the hosting company was contacted directly and tricked into changing administration details so the attackers could gain control of the site and the information within. ?

It is not only businesses that are targeted; Microsoft is warning about a phone scam that targets private internet customers.? Scammers call private residences and ask for the customer by name, often posing as either Microsoft or the Internet Service Provider (ISP).? The customer is told that their computer is at risk and is then asked to perform tasks to combat the nonexistent virus.? These include giving the attacker full remote access and paying for the fake virus to be removed. ?If the scammer gains access to a system but does not receive payment, then it has been reported that they may remove important .exe files and change permissions, rending the computer unusable.?

Microsoft offers advice to avoid these dangerous hoaxes; Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or to fix your computer.? Microsoft does not request credit card information to validate your copy of Windows, and Microsoft does not send unsolicited communication about security updates, when information about a security software update or security incident is released Microsoft only sends emails to subscribers of their security communications program. ?

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be Tech Support and telling you that your computer is infected, hang up and do not disclose any personal information or credit card details. ?

Trustico can supply you with all your SSL Certificate security needs, but best online security practices are ineffective in the face of a direct social engineering attack.? If you have any questions regarding Internet security please visit the Trustico Website?and speak?to?one of our security experts who can address any concerns you may have. ?

Source: http://blog.trustico.com/2012/07/social-engineering-attacks-microsoft.html

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